NHL Rumors: Blackhawks Forward Generating Tons of Trade Buzz

The Chicago Blackhawks have been receiving a ton of phone calls regarding the asking prices of their available players as the team is preparing themselves for what is going to be busy times leading up to the trade deadline. While that's still over a month away, there's been some speculation brewing over which Blackhawks will be dealt and which ones will stay put. Sounds like young forward Brandon Hagel is right dead smack in the middle and so, management has set some high demands on his asking price.

According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, he feels a first-round pick and a top prospect is the kind of asking price floating around for Hagel who is 23 years old and under contract for two more seasons at a very reasonable $1.5 million. So far in 43 games he's registered 27 points including 14 goals which is a career high. Last season Hagel collected 24 points in 52 games so this type of development is a great site for Chicago which is a big reason why they want to keep him around. Seravalli had this to say in a recent column regarding Hagel's future in the windy city:

Sources say under interim GM Kyle Davidson, the Hawks were listening to offers on Alex DeBrincat and Brandon Hagel, two players having excellent seasons. At least four teams are known to have engaged in conversation on Hagel: Florida, Toronto, New Jersey and Calgary. The Flames likely moved on to Toffoli; the Maple Leafs are focused on defense. But Hagel’s contract and cost certainty is making teams drool. He is in first-round pick plus top prospect territory, which is understandable given the contract, his production and style of play.

Of the interested teams Florida appears to be the favorite as they have some young pieces including Owen Tippett and Spencer Knight who have been included in recent talks. They don't have a first or second round pick at this year's draft so if they do end up making a splash it's likely by using some of their organizational talent.

As for the Blackhawks, Hagel has been involved in talks and so have many of their other players including Dylan Strome, Connor Murphy, Calvin de Haan, both goalies and anyone selling popcorn. Expect to see the trade winds pick up in the coming days.

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